Ingredient Guide
The Apawthecary Co.
Ingredient & Materials Guide
A plain-language guide to the ingredients, formula components, botanicals, candle materials, containers, and packaging currently used across our handcrafted collection.
We list the ingredients inside professionally manufactured soap and shampoo components instead of hiding them behind a base or trade name.
Last reviewed July 12, 2026
How to use this guide: This is a master reference covering ingredients and materials used somewhere in our current supplies or formulas. It is not the ingredient list for every product.
Always read the label on the individual product you are purchasing. Exact ingredients, botanical combinations, fragrance, color, allergen information, directions, and warnings vary by product.
We purchase through U.S.-based suppliers, but agricultural ingredients and individual components may be grown or manufactured in other countries. “U.S.-based supplier” does not mean every ingredient is U.S.-grown.
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Choose a category above, then use its heading to expand or collapse the section.
Butters, Oils & Waxes
These ingredients provide emollience, glide, structure, cleansing balance, infusion media, or candle body depending on the formula.
Shea Butter
A rich plant butter used for emollience, structure, creaminess, and conditioning feel. Some soap formulas use organic shea butter; organic status is stated only when supported for that ingredient or product.
Mango Butter
A firm plant butter that adds body and a smooth, less-greasy feel to solid and anhydrous products.
Cupuaçu Butter
A soft botanical butter used for cushion, glide, moisture retention, and a plush skin feel.
Cocoa Butter
A firm plant butter used in selected cold-process soaps and in component soap formulations for hardness, structure, and conditioning feel.
Olive Oil & Olive Pomace Oil
Olive-derived oils used in soap for conditioning character and in selected formulas as a botanical carrier. Olive pomace oil appears in certain soap recipes.
Coconut Oil
A plant oil used to support lather, cleansing, firmness, and texture. It also appears in selected bath and pantry-style formulas.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
A lightweight liquid coconut-derived oil used for slip, spreadability, botanical infusions, and a lighter finish in oils, balms, and scrubs.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A lightweight emollient made from glycerin and medium-chain fatty acids. It is an identified component of our solid shampoo formulation and is related to, but listed separately from, fractionated coconut oil.
Sunflower Oil
A plant oil used in soap, selected body products, and pantry-style pet formulas. It may also serve as the carrier in certain supplier-prepared botanical ingredients.
Safflower Oil
A plant oil present within selected melt-and-pour soap component formulations, where it contributes to the finished soap base.
Soybean Oil
A plant oil used in selected soap formulations. Soy-derived materials may also appear in other supplier components, so sensitive customers should check each product label.
Canola Oil
A plant oil used in selected handcrafted soap recipes to help balance the fatty-acid profile and finished bar feel.
Palm Oil
A plant oil present in selected professionally manufactured melt-and-pour soap components. It contributes structure and lather to those soap formats.
Castor Oil
A viscous plant oil used for gloss, cushion, staying power, and lather support depending on the product.
Jojoba Oil & Botanical-Infused Jojoba Oil
A liquid wax ester used alone or infused with herbs such as calendula, chamomile, plantain, chickweed, ginger, cinnamon, arnica, eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender. The herbs used vary by product.
Sweet Almond Oil
A lightweight emollient used for spreadability and skin feel. It is derived from almonds; customers with relevant sensitivities should review product labels carefully.
Squalane
A lightweight emollient used to improve glide, softness, and after-feel in oils, balms, lotions, and body products.
Aloe Vera Oil
An oil-compatible aloe ingredient used in selected topical formulas for emollience and botanical character. The exact supplier INCI shown on the applicable product label controls.
Beeswax
A natural wax used to thicken, structure, and increase staying power in lip balms, salves, lotion bars, and other solid products.
Lanolin
A wool-derived wax used for rich emollience, adhesion, and a more protective feel in selected lip and balm formulas. Products containing lanolin are not vegan.
Coconut Wax & Soy Wax
The two wax components in our coconut-soy candle blend. They form the body of the candle and are tested with the selected wick, vessel, and fragrance combination.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
An antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient used primarily in oil-containing formulas. Vitamin E helps slow oxidation of oils but is not a substitute for a broad-spectrum preservative in a water-based product.
Rosemary Oleoresin Extract (ROE)
A concentrated rosemary antioxidant used at low levels to help slow rancidity in oil-containing formulas. ROE is not the same as rosemary essential oil and is not a complete antimicrobial preservative.
Soap, Cleansing & Shampoo Components
These ingredients support cleansing, lather, bar structure, conditioning feel, texture, and stability depending on the soap or solid-shampoo formula.
Distilled Water, Purified Water & Aqua
Purified water used in lotions, soapmaking, bath products, and manufactured cleansing components. “Aqua” is the cosmetic-label name for water.
Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
The alkali required to turn oils and butters into true soap through saponification. In a properly formulated and completed soap, sodium hydroxide is consumed by that reaction rather than remaining as active lye.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
A coconut-fatty-acid-derived cleansing surfactant that provides lather in our solid shampoo format. It is commonly abbreviated SCI on technical documents.
Glycerin / Vegetable Glycerin
A humectant used in soap, shampoo, lotions, and scrubs to bind water and support product texture and feel. Supplier documents may use either “glycerin” or “glycerine.”
Propylene Glycol
A humectant and solvent present in selected melt-and-pour soap, solid shampoo, and preservative components. Its presence is disclosed here rather than hidden inside a trade-name base.
Glyceryl Stearate
A fatty-acid-based emulsifying and conditioning ingredient present in our solid shampoo component.
Sorbitol
A sugar alcohol used as a humectant and processing aid in selected melt-and-pour soap components.
Sorbitan Oleate
An emulsifying ingredient derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is present in selected melt-and-pour soap components.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
A conditioning component used in our solid shampoo format to support product feel and hair manageability.
Oat Protein
A hydrolyzed oat-derived conditioning ingredient found within selected melt-and-pour soap components. It is distinct from ground oatmeal and colloidal oat flour.
Sodium Lactate
The sodium salt of lactic acid, used to support bar hardness, smoother unmolding, and process consistency in cold-process soap.
Citric Acid
An acid used in soapmaking and bath products. In cold-process soap it supports chelation after reaction with the alkali; in bath bombs it contributes to the water-activated fizzing reaction.
Sodium Gluconate
A chelating ingredient used to bind certain metal ions and support formula stability and rinse performance.
Granulated Sugar
Used at a small level in selected cold-process soap recipes to support lather. Other sugar forms used for exfoliation are listed in the Clays & Exfoliants section.
Formula Support, Texture & Preservation
Responsible formulation sometimes requires emulsifiers, thickeners, chelators, antioxidants, and preservatives. Their job is to help a product remain stable, usable, and appropriately protected for its format.
Cetearyl Olivate
An olive-derived emulsifying component that helps oil and water remain combined in lotion formulas.
Sorbitan Olivate
An olive-derived co-emulsifying component paired with cetearyl olivate in selected lotion formulas.
Cetyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol used to thicken, stabilize, and improve glide. It is not the same as ethanol or a drying alcohol. Our selected material is sourced with RSPO documentation.
Xanthan Gum
A fermentation-derived thickener and stabilizer used at low levels in selected water-based formulas.
DL-Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
A humectant and conditioning ingredient used in selected lotion and solid shampoo formulas.
Polysorbate 80
A dispersing and solubilizing ingredient that helps oils, fragrance, and color distribute and rinse more evenly in bath and scrub products.
Phenoxyethanol
A preservative used within selected solid shampoo and preservation systems to help protect susceptible formulas from microbial growth.
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative component used in the solid shampoo formulation to help control yeast and mold under appropriate formula conditions.
Disodium EDTA
A chelating ingredient present in the solid shampoo component. It binds certain metal ions that can interfere with stability or performance.
Diazolidinyl Urea
A preservative component used at a low level within selected water-based lotion formulas.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
A preservative component paired with other preservation ingredients in selected water-based lotion formulas.
Caprylyl Glycol
An emollient, humectant, and preservative-support ingredient used within the preservation system for selected scrub formulas.
Sorbic Acid
An organic-acid preservative component used with phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol in selected scrub formulas.
Titanium Dioxide
A mineral colorant and opacifier used in selected soaps and present in certain opaque soap components. Its listing here does not imply sun-protection or SPF performance.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Commonly known as baking soda. It is used with citric acid as the primary effervescent component in our handcrafted bath bomb formula.
Clays, Minerals, Color & Exfoliants
These ingredients influence color, texture, slip, polish, visual design, or the bath experience. Natural color can vary from batch to batch.
Kaolin Clay
A fine mineral clay used for slip, texture, mild oil absorption, and visual character in soaps and dry body products.
Brazilian Purple Clay
A naturally colored mineral clay used in selected cleansing and dry-mask formulas for color and texture.
French Green Clay
A green mineral clay used in selected soap formulas for color, texture, and oil-absorbing character.
Bentonite Clay
An absorbent swelling clay used in selected dry and cleansing formulas to influence texture and slip.
Activated Charcoal
A fine carbon-based powder used primarily for dark color, visual contrast, and selected cleansing-bar design.
Micas
Cosmetic color blends used in selected soaps and bath products. Individual colors may also contain approved mineral pigments or titanium dioxide; the exact color declaration on the product label controls.
Arrowroot Powder
A plant starch used to adjust slip, reduce an overly oily after-feel, and support texture in selected anhydrous and dry formulas.
Colloidal Oat Flour, Oatmeal & Ground Oatmeal
Different oat forms used for skin feel, texture, visual character, or gentle physical exfoliation. Colloidal oat is finely milled for topical formulas; ground oatmeal is more visibly textured.
Fine Coffee Grounds & Brewed Coffee
Ground coffee provides texture in selected soaps. Strong brewed coffee may replace part of the water phase in a designated cold-process soap formula.
Sugars
Fine white sugar, light brown sugar, raw Demerara crystals, and granulated sugar are used according to formula for exfoliation, texture, or soap-lather support.
Sea Salts, Spa Salts, Dead Sea Salt & Epsom Salt
Fine sea salt, coarse sea salt, spa-style salts, Dead Sea salt, and magnesium sulfate/Epsom salt are used in selected body scrubs, bath salts, bath teas, bath bombs, and soaps.
Honey Granules
A dry honey-based ingredient used as a visible textural accent on selected soap bars.
Poppy Seeds
Small seeds used for visible texture and physical exfoliation in a selected handcrafted soap formula.
Menthol Crystals
A concentrated aromatic material used at controlled levels to create a cooling sensory effect in selected external-use topical formulas.
Botanicals & Herbal Tea Ingredients
Our current teas are caffeine-free herbal beverages, not dietary supplements. Botanicals listed here may be used in tea, topical infusions, bath products, or species-specific pet products; inclusion in this master guide does not mean an herb is used in every category or is suitable for every person or animal.
Calendula Flowers
Organic flowers used in botanical oil infusions, topical products, bath blends, and selected formulas.
Chamomile Flowers
Organic flowers with a soft floral, apple-like character, used in herbal teas, botanical infusions, bath blends, and selected pet-directed formulas.
Lavender Flowers
An aromatic floral botanical used in herbal teas, bath blends, oil infusions, and selected topical or pet-directed products.
Peppermint Leaf
A strongly aromatic mint leaf used for flavor and aroma in selected herbal teas, bath blends, and botanical infusions.
Spearmint Leaf
A softer mint leaf used for fresh flavor and aroma across several caffeine-free herbal tea blends.
Chickweed Herb
A traditional botanical used in selected external-use oil infusions and topical formulas.
Plantain Leaf
A leafy botanical used in selected external-use oil infusions and topical formulas. This is the Plantago herb, not banana-like plantain fruit.
Marshmallow Root
A mild, earthy root used in selected caffeine-free herbal tea blends and botanical formulas. It is unrelated to confectionery marshmallows.
Ginger Root
A warm, spicy botanical used in herbal tea, botanical infusions, and selected topical formulas.
Cinnamon Chips
Pieces of cinnamon bark used for warm spice character in herbal tea and selected botanical infusions.
Eucalyptus Leaf
A highly aromatic leaf used in small amounts in selected herbal, bath, and infusion formulas. Product-specific directions and warnings should always be followed.
Lemon Balm
A lemon-scented member of the mint family used for gentle citrus-herbal flavor across several caffeine-free tea blends.
Fennel Seed
An aromatic seed with a naturally sweet, anise-like flavor used in selected herbal tea blends.
Nettle Leaf
A leafy botanical with a green, earthy character used in selected herbal tea and botanical formulas.
Elderberry
A dark berry used for tart fruit character and natural color in selected caffeine-free herbal tea blends.
Elder Flower
A delicate floral botanical used for aroma and flavor in selected herbal tea blends.
Skullcap Herb
An earthy botanical used in selected herbal tea formulas. Customers who are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Mullein Leaf
A soft-textured leaf used in selected herbal tea formulas. Herbal teas containing fine plant material should be prepared and filtered according to the product directions.
Yarrow Flower
An aromatic, bitter botanical used in selected herbal tea or botanical formulas at recipe-specific levels.
White Willow Bark
A bitter bark botanical used in a selected herbal tea formula. It contains naturally occurring salicylate-related compounds and is not appropriate for everyone; follow the product warning and consult a healthcare professional when unsure.
Thyme Leaf
A strongly aromatic culinary herb used in small amounts for flavor in selected herbal tea formulas.
Holy Basil / Tulsi
An aromatic herb with a warm, lightly spicy character used across several caffeine-free herbal tea blends.
Hibiscus Flower
A tart botanical used for bright flavor and deep natural color in selected herbal tea blends.
Lemon Verbena
A fragrant lemony leaf used to brighten the flavor and aroma of several caffeine-free herbal tea blends.
Licorice Root
A naturally sweet root used in small amounts in selected herbal tea blends. It may not be appropriate for certain people or medications; review the product warning and consult a healthcare professional when needed.
Reishi Mushroom Powder
A powdered mushroom ingredient reserved for select botanical or pet-directed formulas. Its presence in this guide is not a disease-treatment or medical claim.
Arnica Flower
A botanical used only in selected external-use oil infusions and topical formulas. It is not included as a general food or tea ingredient.
Rose Petals
An aromatic floral ingredient used in selected herbal tea and bath formulas for flavor, aroma, and visual character.
Ashwagandha Root
An earthy root used in selected caffeine-free herbal tea or botanical formulas. Review product-specific warnings, particularly during pregnancy, nursing, medication use, or management of a health condition.
Boswellia Serrata
A botanical resin-derived ingredient reserved for selected botanical or pet-directed formulas. Use only as directed on the applicable product.
Comfrey Leaf
A traditional botanical reserved for selected external-use formulas. It is not included as a general herbal tea ingredient.
Turmeric Powder
A golden spice used in selected herbal tea, soap, and botanical formulas for warm flavor, natural color, or botanical character.
Green Tea Powder
Powdered Camellia sinensis used in selected topical or cleansing products. Our current packaged herbal tea blends are caffeine-free and do not use green tea as their tea base.
Fragrance, Flavor & Aromatic Ingredients
Exact scent blends vary by product. We use supplier documentation for the intended application and formulate within the applicable IFRA use limit, generally below the maximum allowed level.
Fragrance Oils / Fragrance (Parfum)
Proprietary aromatic blends used in candles, soaps, solid shampoo, lotions, scrubs, bath products, and selected body products. Because suppliers do not disclose every aromatic constituent of a proprietary fragrance formula, “Fragrance” or “Parfum” is the appropriate grouped identification. The exact fragrance used is identified by the individual product and scent selection.
Use within an IFRA limit does not mean a fragrance is appropriate for every person, pet, or environment. Customers with fragrance sensitivities should choose an unscented product where available and review the product label.
Lip-Safe Flavor Oils / Flavor
Supplier-prepared flavor and aroma blends specifically selected for lip-product use, including flavor profiles such as vanilla and marshmallow. They are used for sensory character, not nutritional value.
Ginger Root CO2 Extract
A concentrated ginger extract produced with carbon dioxide and used at a controlled level in selected external-use topical formulas.
Essential Oils
Concentrated aromatic plant oils used only in formulas and amounts selected for the intended product. Current supplies and recipes include:
- Lavender Essential Oil — floral aromatic used in selected bath, body, and topical products.
- Peppermint Essential Oil — strong mint aromatic used at controlled levels in selected bath and external-use topical products.
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil — strong herbal aromatic used at controlled levels in selected external-use products.
- Cedarwood Essential Oil — woody aromatic used in selected topical and body products.
- Chamomile Essential Oil — concentrated floral-herbal aromatic used in selected topical formulas.
- Black Pepper Essential Oil — warm spice aromatic used at a very low level in selected external-use formulas.
Essential oils are not automatically appropriate for every individual or animal species. Follow the exact product label and never apply an undiluted essential oil based on this guide.
Food-Grade, Tea & Pet-Product Ingredients
Ingredients in this section may appear in tea, dog treats, or other pet-directed products. Our pet collection is intended primarily for dogs unless a product label expressly identifies another species.
Oat Flour
Food-grade milled oats used as a structural base in selected baked dog treats. This is distinct from cosmetic-grade colloidal oat flour.
Chicken Broth Powder
A dry savory ingredient used in selected dog treats. Because broth powders can be composite ingredients, the supplier ingredient statement and the finished-product label control.
Eggs
A food ingredient used for binding, structure, and texture in selected baked dog treats. Egg is a recognized food allergen.
Banana
Mashed ripe banana used for moisture, texture, and natural fruit character in selected baked dog treats.
Applesauce
A pantry ingredient used for moisture and binding in selected baked dog-treat formulas.
Pumpkin Purée
A food ingredient used for moisture, texture, and recognizable pantry character in selected baked dog treats.
Ground Flaxseed
Ground seed used for texture, binding, and recipe-specific nutritional composition in selected pet-directed products.
Honey
A bee-derived ingredient used according to formula in selected soaps, herbal products, or food-style products. Products containing honey are not vegan.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
A sulfur-containing ingredient used in selected dog-directed formulas. Its inclusion is not a representation that the product diagnoses, treats, cures, or prevents an animal disease.
Candle Components
A candle is a tested system: wax, fragrance, wick, vessel, and use instructions all affect performance. Candle materials are listed here separately from skin, food, and pet ingredients.
Coconut-Soy Wax
Our candle wax blend combines coconut wax and soy wax. It is selected for container-candle performance, finish, and fragrance delivery.
Candle Fragrance
Supplier-prepared fragrance oil selected for candle use and incorporated within the applicable use guidance. Exact fragrance varies by scent.
Cotton Wicks — ECO Series
Container-candle wicks selected and tested with the relevant wax, fragrance, vessel diameter, and fill size.
Wood Wicks & Wick Clips
Wooden candle wicks used with their securing clips in selected candle formats. Wick style varies by product and is tested as part of the complete candle system.
8-Ounce Frosted Glass Vessel & Lid
A frosted glass container and coordinating lid used for the designated 8-ounce candle format.
14-Ounce Frosted Glass Vessel & Lid
A frosted glass container and coordinating lid used for the designated 14-ounce candle format.
Candle Labels & Protective Boxes
Front candle labels identify the product and scent. Bottom warning labels provide use and fire-safety instructions. Protective candle boxes are used for many candle products and orders, depending on the format and packaging configuration.
Containers, Labels & Fulfillment Materials
These are product-contact, presentation, storage, or shipping materials—not formulation ingredients. Exact style, material, size, and availability may change with the product or supplier.
Lip Balm Tins
Small tins used for selected lip-balm formats.
0.15-Ounce Lip Balm Tubes
Twist-up tubes used for selected traditional lip-balm formats.
2-Ounce Salve Tins
Tins used for selected salves and solid topical products.
Lotion-Bar Twist-Up Tubes
Twist-up containers used for selected solid lotion-bar formats.
Dropper Bottles & Droppers
Bottle-and-dropper assemblies used for selected liquid oils and botanical products.
8-Ounce Jars & Lotion Bottles
Containers used according to product texture, dispensing needs, and format.
Tea Filter Bags, Pouches & Outer Packaging
Food-contact tea filter bags hold each measured herbal serving. Sealed outer pouches and related packaging help protect the tea during storage and shipment.
Paper Treat Cartons
Paper cartons used for selected pet-treat products.
Product Labels & Bands
Includes tin labels, bottle labels, tea labels, treat labels, soap bands, front candle labels, and bottom candle warning labels. The applicable product label remains the controlling source for ingredients and warnings.
Tissue Paper & Shredded Packing Paper
Paper presentation and cushioning materials used as appropriate for the order.
Shipping Boxes
Various box sizes selected to fit and protect the products in each shipment.
4 × 6 Shipping Labels
Carrier and delivery labels used to route outgoing packages.
Thank-You Cards & Package Inserts
Printed materials used to share order information, product-care reminders, brand messages, or customer thanks. Inserts do not replace the directions and warnings on the product label.
Important Use & Transparency Notes
Individual Product Labels Control
This master guide combines ingredients and materials from across the collection. It does not mean every ingredient appears in every product. If this page and an individual product label ever appear to differ, stop using the product and contact us so we can confirm the current formula and label.
Formula & Supplier Changes
Formulas, component decks, packaging, and suppliers may be updated when needed for safety, stability, availability, or product improvement. We will update labels as required. Customers with allergies or sensitivities should review the label each time they purchase.
Herbal Tea
Our current teas are conventional caffeine-free herbal beverages, not dietary supplements. Information on this page is educational and is not medical advice. Herbal ingredients can interact with medications or be unsuitable during pregnancy, nursing, before surgery, or with certain health conditions. Follow product warnings and consult a qualified healthcare professional when appropriate.
Pet Products
Pet products are intended primarily for dogs unless the label expressly identifies another species. Do not use a dog-directed product on a cat or another animal unless the product specifically says it is appropriate. Our pet products are researched and formulated in-house but have not been veterinarian reviewed. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your veterinarian about an animal’s individual needs.
Topical Products
External-use products should be used only as directed. Avoid eyes and other sensitive areas, keep out of reach of children and animals, and discontinue use if irritation occurs. A patch test is advisable when trying a new product, especially for customers with sensitive skin or known allergies.
Allergens & Sensitivities
Ingredients used across the collection include oats, almond-derived oil, coconut, soy, eggs, honey, beeswax, lanolin, fragrance, essential oils, and many botanicals. This is not an allergen-free collection. Review each product label and contact us before purchase if you need clarification about a particular ingredient.
Fragrance & Essential Oils
Fragrance and essential oils are selected for their intended application and used according to formula-specific safety documentation. “Natural,” “plant-derived,” or “within IFRA limits” does not mean sensitivity-free or universally appropriate. Never use this guide as a direction to consume or apply a concentrated aromatic ingredient by itself.
Candle Safety
Follow the warning label supplied with every candle. Trim and maintain the wick as directed, burn on a stable heat-resistant surface, keep the candle within sight, and keep it away from children, pets, drafts, and combustible materials. Discontinue burning at the minimum wax level stated on the product instructions.
Organic & Sourcing Language
We select organic herbs when available and identify organic ingredients where supported. Unless a finished product is expressly certified and labeled organic, the presence of one or more organic ingredients does not make the entire finished product certified organic. Ingredients are purchased through U.S.-based suppliers, while underlying geographic origin may vary.
Handcrafted & Component Formulas
We formulate and make our products in-house. Some soap and shampoo formats begin with professionally manufactured components; we customize and finish those products ourselves and disclose the component ingredients in this guide rather than presenting the component as a single unnamed base.
Thoughtful by Design
Every Ingredient Should Have a Reason
Our standard is straightforward: understand what is in the formula, use each ingredient for a defined purpose, preserve products responsibly when water is present, and give customers enough information to make an informed choice.